Andrew Quinn

A tree that was ripped in two in Meenan Drive in the Bogside.

An angry resident who lives near Meenan Drive and who did not want to be named contacted the ‘Journal’ after he witnessed young people destroying trees in the area.

“I am totally disgusted by this,” said the man. “People are sick, sore and tired that the actions of a handful are dragging the whole area down. Every time someone tries to spruce the place up there are those who just don’t give a damn about anything.

“This week it was the trees, next week it will be something else,” added the man.

Local Sinn Féin councillor for the area, Colly Kelly, condemned those responsible for the vandalism.

“Residents are rightly angry at this latest spate of vandalism.

“A lot of work has taken place in the area over the last few years involving the Housing Executive, local council and community groups to carry out environmental clean-ups, upgrading green spaces, planting new trees and shrubbery.

“Sadly a very small minority seem intent on destroying the area - they must not succeed,” insisted Colr. Kelly.